July 20, 2005
Monarchs voted third in 2005 USA South Athletic Conference preseason football poll

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – The Methodist Monarchs were voted third in the 2005 USA South Athletic Conference football poll, which was released on Wednesday by the conference office. The poll was voted on by all eight USA South head football coaches.

The Monarchs received 31 points to check in at third. Four-time defending USA South champion Christopher Newport was the preseason favorite with 48 points and six first place votes, while two-time defending co-champion Shenandoah was picked second with 42 points and two first-place votes.

Rounding out the poll was Averett (30), Ferrum (27), North Carolina Wesleyan (19), Greensboro (15) and conference newcomer Maryville (10).

Methodist is coming off a 7-3 campaign in 2004, which included a 4-2 mark in the USA South. The Monarchs, who return six starters on offense and seven on defense, open the 2005 season on Sept. 3 at Salisbury. Methodist’s first home game and USA South game is on Sept. 24 at 1 p.m. against North Carolina Wesleyan.